Sports
Nigeria Ready To Host African Squash Championship
The President, Nigeria
Squash Federation (NSF), Adamu Erena, has said that the federation had started preliminary work to host the 2014 Africa Squash Championships (ASC) in Abuja.
Erena told newsmen in Lagos that the country was unanimously voted to host the 2014 championships at the 2013 edition held in Windhoek, Namibia.
He said that the championships for both male and female would feature players in senior and junior categories.
“Our topmost priority now is for a successful staging of the competition. During our inaugural meeting in Abuja, it was our number one topic for discussion.
“We want to ensure that all logistics are in place for the event. We will do all we can to ensure that we give a good account of ourselves, as a squash-loving nation.
“We will look out for sponsorship from well-meaning Nigerians that will partner with us to make the staging of the event a reality,’’ Erena said.
According to him, the federation’s topmost priority is also to maximise the potential at our disposal for a successful hosting of the continental competition.
“We will try as much as we can to ensure that we enhance the profile of squash in the country.
“We intend to consolidate on our success so far and we will work to improve those areas that need to be worked on.
“I have an insight on how things are and we will be working with everyone who has the interest of squash at heart,’’ Erena said.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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